BLYTH Spartans have received a good-luck message from Ian Bogie – manager of arch-rivals Gateshead – ahead of two games against the Tynesiders’ title rivals.

The Spartans, battling to avoid the drop, travel to second-top Tamworth, three points behind leaders Gateshead, tomorrow – and then host fourth-placed AFC Telford United on Tuesday.

Any positive Blyth results over the next four days will strengthen Gateshead’s promotion push, as well as increase the Spartans’ chances of avoiding the drop.

Bogie said: “Blyth will want to put their own house in order but, while our destiny is in our own hands, I would be delighted if they could take something out of the games against Tamworth and Telford.

“It would be great for us, but also Blyth, and it is important non-league clubs in the region play at the highest possible level.

“If we can clinch another promotion, Durham City and Blue Star are promoted from the UniBond First Division, Blyth stay up after their fantastic FA Cup run and Whitley Bay get to the Vase final it will have been some season.”

Blyth have not won for eight games, but have drawn their last three in the league.

Manager Harry Dunn will have former Darlington, Hartlepool and Gateshead left-back John Brackstone available for tomorrow’s game at The Lamb.